Lead Engineer - Routing & Switching protocol development

Ciena is committed to our people-first philosophy. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a personalized and flexible work environment that empowers an individual’s passions, growth, wellbeing and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

Why Ciena: 

• We are big proponents of life-work integration and provide the flexibility and tools to make it a reality with remote work and potentially, part-time work. 

• We believe an inclusive, diverse and barrier-free work environment makes for empowered and committed employees.  

• We recognize the importance of well-being and offer programs and benefits to support and sustain the mental and physical health of our employees and their families and also offer a variety of paid family leave programs. 

• We are committed to employee development, offering tuition reimbursement and a variety of in-house learning and mentorship opportunities. 

• We know that financial security is important.  We offer competitive salaries and incentive programs, RSU’s (job level specific) and an employee share option purchase program. 

• We realize time away to recharge is non-negotiable.  We offer flexible paid time off! 

• Great work deserves recognition. We have a robust recognition program, with ongoing and enhanced awards for exemplary performance. 

How You Will Contribute: 

               Ciena, a global leader in network innovation since 1992, is dedicated to creating a smarter, more agile, and more responsive network every day. Our technologies enable seamless digital interactions in your social, entertainment, and business world, making your existence real.
 

We are looking for Software Engineers to join our engineering team. You will play a crucial role in developing the Vyatta Network Operating System (NOS), which we recently acquired. Your work will support our customers in building and deploying their virtualized networks. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work on a legacy product that is being sunset. While primarily supporting the legacy product, the skills you acquire during this period will be transferrable to our cutting-edge SAOS 10X platform. As you progress, you will increasingly be involved in the development and support of the SAOS 10X platform:

• Develop embedded software on the Vyatta NOS, a modified Debian Linux operating system.
• Participate in all stages of software development, including requirements analysis, architecture, design, implementation, and testing.
• Troubleshoot software issues and provide customer and verification support.
• Design and develop unit tests and test-automation suites.
• Collaborate with Product Owners to incorporate new features and technologies into software applications without compromising performance.
• Influence and/or define software architecture to enhance resiliency, debuggability, and maintainability.

What Does Ciena Expect of You? 

• Initiative – you’re a self-starter who works with limited direction and is committed to delivering against aggressive deadlines. 

• Agility – you are readily able to make key decisions and manage competing and ever-changing account priorities and largely driven by the software development process. 

• Communication expertise – you have the ability to influence and tailor your message and ideas to the audience to ensure understanding and consensus. 

• The flexibility to work independently and as part of a broader team – you thrive in a multi-disciplinary team environment, but are comfortable working independently as required. 

• Relationship builder – with an ability to influence, you’re able to get work done through others. 

• A commitment to innovation – you keep abreast of the market and competitive developments and are always keen to formulate new ideas and problem solve. 

The Must Haves: 

• A minimum of Bachelor’s/master’s degree in computer science/engineering or equivalent degree with 8+ Year of relevant experience.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and programming skills (C, C++, Python)
• In-depth understanding of Linux OS and open-source software development.
• Experience in designing and developing L2/L3 networking technologies.
• Knowledge of software development for Data Forwarding paths (Software, Hardware).
• Familiarity with network merchant silicon chipsets and whitebox platforms.
• Experience in troubleshooting large-scale deployments.
• Familiarity with manageability frameworks such as Yang/XML.
• Experience with virtualization technologies like Intel DPDK, SR-IOV, etc.
•  Knowledge of network routers/switches or routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, etc.)
• Proficiency in using the Atlassian tool suite, Git, and Jenkins.

• Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and excellent teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Ability to multitask and work independently with minimal guidance.
• Openness to continuous learning and self-improvement.
• Excellent communication and technical documentation skills
• Excellent organization skills to manage time, resources, and priorities.

Assets: 

• Self-starter with positive attitude  

• Team orientation, organized, and capable of independent work 

• Acumen for problem solving.  Ability to work in an environment of change – flexibility, creativity and patience  

• Ability to learn and grasp technical concepts related to products being developed  

• Able to work effectively and communicate at all levels within the Ciena workforce